Rockwood School celebrates 75 years of community

Rockwood School recently marked its 75th anniversary with a milestone event that brought together students, staff and alumni to share memories of the school's rich history. 

At the event, the school staff opened a 25-year-old time capsule from 1999 that contained huge maps showing the community's growth and two models showcasing the number of new buildings in the area. They also created a new capsule, which will open in 2050 and students from each classroom added interesting artifacts, stationery, art pieces, and newspapers. 

A brand new logo of the Rockwood school was also unveiled at the ceremony. As part of its environmental efforts, the school unveiled plans for rooftop beehives and planted a maple tree donated by Lacoste Garden Centre.

The focus of the celebrations was a research video done by Grade 3 and 4 students. Teacher Lenore Hewitt, who has taught at Rockwood for 19 years, guided the young historians.

"Each group studied a different decade," said Hewitt, who edited the video. "I had fun finding the commonalities and uniqueness of each decade."

The video featured many old photos and revealed fascinating facts about Rockwood School over the years. It touched on topics like nap times, beard-growing competitions, unique playground equipment, and school uniforms.

The video is a chance to reflect on educational changes over the past 75 years, such as classrooms, technology, and teaching methods. 

"In the 1980s, kids were allowed to bolt the outdoor play structures together," Hewitt explained. "But some things remain similar—we still have school patrols and winter fun days."

Hewitt made sure that current students saw themselves in the video, too. "We're all part of Rockwood's history," she said.

Boyd Noble, who taught at Rockwood for many years, returned for the celebration. He previously attended the school's 50th anniversary.

"This was the best job I've ever had," said Noble. "It's a great school because it's a great community.

For Noble, returning to the school was meaningful. "It feels surreal," he said. "I wondered whether I'd be here for the 75th. I wonder about the 100th."

Many former students now have children attending Rockwood. This creates a multi-generational connection to the school. Vanessa Gledhill attended Rockwood School in 1989. She now has three children enrolled at the school.

"It is very community-based," said Gledhill. "I like that the catchment area is small so you can walk to school. The teachers care about it like their own family."

Gledhill participated in the 50th anniversary as a student. She worked closely with Mr. Noble, whom she remembers as "very hands-on."

The event also acknowledged the school's location near historic Pakan Town (Rooster Town), a significant Métis settlement that was originally located in the Grant Park area. Sharing connections to local Indigenous history is important for the school's community. 

"It's nice to recognize the different generations," Gledhill noted. "We can learn from each generation and move forward."

Anniversary festivities continue through the month with a community event on June 5, which will include a school picnic, featuring a "dancing through the decades" performance. 

Watch the highlights of the celebration on WSD's Instagram Reel here.